"Pram" is short for "perambulator," which is essentially a stroller for a baby. People in the UK may refer to the stroller as either a pram or a baby carriage. These first became popular during the Victorian Era, and the typical carriage was black with high wheels, with a bed for the baby to lie in and a half cover that could be used to protect the baby from overexposure to the sun.
People can still find examples of the classic pram in modern strollers. They may vary in color and fabric, and many also allow the user to adjust the bed so the child can either be lying down or seated. In fact, most prefer this adjustable ability since this extends the time the stroller is useful.
Often, a pram built on the old Victorian model will be quite expensive, and they may be used as much for status as for transporting a baby. A typical retro model can cost several hundred US Dollars, whereas the average baby stroller costs much less.
A newer type of baby carriage is the jogging stroller. This usually has high back wheels, and has one instead of two wheels in the front. It can usually carry a child up to 60 pounds (27.21 kg) in weight and allows the person pushing it to either jog or walk quickly. Double strollers that can be used for jogging while pushing two children, either twins or children of different ages, are also available.
Because the weight is over the back wheels of the jogging stroller, it tends to be easier to maneuver and turn than the standard, four-wheeled version. A heavier child can make the pram a little harder to push and to turn, however. This is particularly the case when the weight is not evenly balanced, as with two different sized children in a double stroller.
Some jogging strollers are excellent for rough terrain, allowing new moms or dads to quickly get back into shape after a pregnancy, or keep their commitment to fitness alive. Some prefer a more traditional carriage and slower walking with a child, as this gives the user more opportunity for conversation, and also allows him or her to observe the child’s moods more closely.
